Reviewed · COMINO & THE BLUE LAGOON CRUISES

Comino Private Boat Tour in Malta

★ 4.5 · 17 reviews 1 hour (approx.) From $70 Bookable on Viator
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Four lagoons, one focused hour.

This private Comino boat outing is built for maximum water time with a small group and quick stops: Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Reef, and St. Mary’s Tower. I like that the whole plan is simple and time-boxed, so you’re not stuck in transit or waiting around while the best light happens.

What I really like is the way the stops match what you want from Comino: bright water you can actually swim and snorkel in, plus short landmark moments to break it up. You’ll spend 20 minutes at both Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon (those are the showstoppers), and you get snorkeling equipment and safety gear onboard, along with a cooler and shaded seating so you’re not just roasting between swims.

One drawback to consider: the experience depends a lot on how the skipper runs the boat. There’s at least one review that raised a concern about feeling unsafe due to a captain who seemed too laid back. If safety-first is your top priority, I’d pay close attention to how comfortable you feel with the skipper’s approach.

Key points to know before booking

  • Private boat for up to 5 keeps the experience calm and customizable.
  • Admission tickets are included for the four stops, so you’re not scrambling for entry fees.
  • Snorkeling equipment + safety gear are part of the package.
  • Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon are sheltered, boat-access-only water playgrounds.
  • Cominotto Reef includes a cave swim-through option (great if you like exploring close to the rock).
  • St. Mary’s Tower is quick history on the outside, with optional donations for interior access.

More Comino and Blue Lagoon boat trips we have swum and snorkelled off

Why this 1-hour private Comino plan feels efficient

Comino Private Boat Tour in Malta - Why this 1-hour private Comino plan feels efficient
Comino is famous for water that looks unreal on a good day. The catch is time: once you’re on the island circuit, it’s easy to lose an hour here or there to boarding lines, transfers, or wandering. This tour’s timing is tight on purpose—about one hour total, spread across four distinct spots.

That structure matters because it helps you do the core Comino experience without turning the day into a marathon. If you’re pairing Comino with other Malta plans, this kind of format is a relief. And since it’s private (just your group), you’re less likely to feel like you’re being herded.

One practical note: the tour is offered in English and runs near public transportation. That’s useful if you’re building the rest of your itinerary around transit.

Price and what you actually get for $70.89 per group

Comino Private Boat Tour in Malta - Price and what you actually get for $70.89 per group
The price listed is $70.89 per group (up to 5 people), which is how you should think about value here. If you book with a full group of five, your per-person cost works out to roughly $14.18 each. Even if you’re fewer, the tour still stays relatively affordable compared with many private outings.

What you’re really paying for isn’t just the boat ride—it’s the combination of:

  • An exclusive private boat (not a crowded shared ferry)
  • Port fees
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Comfort items like canopy shade, an ice cooler, and comfortable seating
  • Bluetooth speaker + WiFi on board (small things, but they make the ride less dead time)

Two extras to factor in because they’re listed as not included:

  • Fuel consumption (€40)
  • Professional skipper (€40)

That doesn’t mean you’ll definitely pay both. It does mean you should check what your exact booking arrangement requires, so there are no surprise add-ons when you’re on Malta time.

Boarding setup: mobile ticket, small group vibe, and onboard tech

Comino Private Boat Tour in Malta - Boarding setup: mobile ticket, small group vibe, and onboard tech
This is a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates. That alone changes the feel. Instead of playing follow-the-leader, you get a calmer pace and more control over how long you hang around at each stop (within the time blocks).

You’ll use a mobile ticket, which is simple if you’re already traveling with your phone. The tour also lists WiFi on board, which is a nice touch if you’re sending photos right after the best moment—though you should still plan to be mostly offline once the water calls.

From an expectations standpoint, the tour is designed for an active water-and-sightseeing rhythm. You’re not signing up for a long walking tour or a museum-style history session. Think of it as: boat, swim/snorkel breaks, quick look at a tower, repeat.

More private Malta boat charters we have taken the helm on

Stop 1: Blue Lagoon swim time (and why the sandy bottom matters)

The tour kicks off at the Blue Lagoon, with about 20 minutes scheduled and an admission ticket included.

Here’s what makes this stop special in real, practical terms. The waters are described as a natural pool feel, with a sandy bottom and partially rocky cliffs around it. That combo matters if you want to wade or float without dealing with a steep drop-off or constantly feeling like you’re stepping onto sharp uneven rock. It’s also part of why the Blue Lagoon is often described as paradise-like—pure, bright blue water that looks like it belongs in a postcard.

The story layer is fun too: in the 1500s, the Knights of St. John used this area as a recreational island. They weren’t hanging out for modern beach selfies; they mostly lived there for leisure and hunting. Standing there with water shoes (or just taking in the view) gives you a strange little time-travel feeling—how little-known and remote it must have seemed back then.

Possible drawback: 20 minutes goes fast once you’re in the water. If you want a long, slow swim or you’re planning to snorkel carefully, I’d treat this as the time to do your first “wow” swim and then get ready to repeat the pattern at the next lagoons.

Stop 2: Crystal Lagoon’s sheltered blues and the cliff-jump angle

Comino Private Boat Tour in Malta - Stop 2: Crystal Lagoon’s sheltered blues and the cliff-jump angle
Next is Crystal Lagoon, again about 20 minutes, with admission included.

Crystal Lagoon is described as a stunning sheltered lagoon that can only be accessed by boat. That detail is more than marketing. Being sheltered often means calmer conditions compared to open-water areas. And the “different shades of blue” part is exactly what you notice when you see the water change color over small distances.

It’s also described as an excellent spot for cliff jumping. I’d treat that as an option, not a requirement. If you like action, this is probably your stop. If you don’t, you can still enjoy the water color, the swim area, and the boat-access-only vibe.

Safety consideration from the one cautionary review: the tour’s overall feel depends on the skipper and how confidently they manage the stop. If you’re going to try cliff-jump-style thrills, don’t assume the “perfect location” means it’ll be appropriate for your personal comfort level. Use common sense, ask questions on the spot, and follow whatever safety guidance you’re given.

Stop 3: Cominotto Reef and the cave swim-through option

Comino Private Boat Tour in Malta - Stop 3: Cominotto Reef and the cave swim-through option
Then you head to Cominotto Reef for about 10 minutes, with admission included.

This stop is shorter, but it’s different. Instead of focusing on an open, sandy-ish feel like the Blue Lagoon, Cominotto Reef is described as a rocky structure with a tiny sand area. The headline here is the special cave you can swim through, which connects the island’s beach to the open sea.

If you enjoy exploring the water features rather than just floating, this is likely your favorite segment. Snorkeling gear is included, and a cave or swim-through experience usually rewards having equipment so you can actually see what’s going on beneath the surface.

Practical drawback: 10 minutes is tight for anything that takes real calm attention. If the cave is crowded or conditions aren’t ideal, you’ll need to move quickly or adjust plans. Treat this as a “try it if it feels right” moment, not a guarantee.

Stop 4: St. Mary’s Tower (Comino’s Tower) for quick, real history

Comino Private Boat Tour in Malta - Stop 4: St. Mary’s Tower (Comino’s Tower) for quick, real history
The final stop is St. Mary’s Tower, also called Comino’s Tower, with about 10 minutes allocated and admission included.

This is a compact history break. The tower was constructed in 1618 by the Grand Master de Wignacourt. Its role wasn’t scenic—it was defensive and communication-based, serving as a link between Mdina and the Ċittadella in Gozo. The objective was to frighten pirates and corsairs by acting as a watchtower.

One practical detail: there’s no charge to explore the tower’s interior, and donations are accepted. That means you can keep it casual—take your photos, peek inside if it’s open, and if the place feels cared for, consider leaving something small.

Possible drawback: with only 10 minutes, you won’t have time for a slow, thoughtful history session. If you love towers and want longer context, plan to do extra reading later in your trip.

On-board comforts: the little perks that make the hour better

Comino Private Boat Tour in Malta - On-board comforts: the little perks that make the hour better
This tour includes a lot of onboard items that you’ll notice more once you’re out on the water:

  • Canopy for shadow: huge value in Malta sun. Even a short outing feels more pleasant with shade available.
  • Comfortable seating + sun deck area: you’re not stuck standing in one spot during the ride between lagoons.
  • Ice cooler: helps with keeping drinks cool even though bottled water and alcohol aren’t included.
  • Bluetooth speaker: your group controls the vibe on the way from stop to stop.
  • Safety equipment: comforting, especially if you’re not an experienced open-water swimmer.
  • WiFi on board: useful for quick photo uploads or messaging while you’re waiting for your next swim window.
  • Snorkeling equipment included: this is one of the biggest time-savers. You don’t have to rent gear on the island or pack it yourself.

If you’re the kind of person who gets annoyed by “included water is always missing” on small boat trips, this one does include an ice cooler—but it does not include bottled water or alcoholic beverages. So bring your preferred drinks if you want specific things, unless you’re okay with what’s available.

Snorkeling and swimming tips for these Comino stops

Comino Private Boat Tour in Malta - Snorkeling and swimming tips for these Comino stops
Because snorkeling equipment is included, you should plan to use it—just not blindly. With lagoons and a cave swim-through option, conditions can vary minute to minute.

Here’s how I’d approach it for the best odds of a good time:

  • Try the water at Blue Lagoon first, since the sandy bottom description suggests it’s the easiest starting point.
  • In Crystal Lagoon, decide early whether you want to focus on snorkeling or just enjoy swimming with the color.
  • Treat Cominotto Reef like an adventure spot. If you’re not fully comfortable, you can still enjoy the tiny sand area and cave setting without forcing the swim-through.
  • At St. Mary’s Tower, do the history quick look, then go back to water mode. It’s a fast rhythm tour.

Also, if you’re someone who worries about boat safety, you’ll feel better if you ask basic questions before you get in: where it’s safest to enter, what to do if conditions change, and how the skipper signals changes. Safety equipment is included, but how you use it matters.

Timing and booking: why planning ahead helps

The tour is “on average” booked about 15 days in advance, which is a good clue that popular dates can fill up. If Comino is a must-do, don’t treat it like a last-minute add-on.

One more timing reality: this is a short, one-hour experience. So if you want it to fit smoothly, pick a time that lets you enjoy the lagoons without rushing to catch another ferry or appointment right afterward. You’ll get more from it.

Who should book this private Comino boat tour

This fits best if you want:

  • A private outing without a long day plan
  • To hit the main water highlights—Blue Lagoon and Crystal Lagoon—with enough time to actually get in
  • Included snorkeling equipment so you can keep your packing simple
  • A small-group vibe (up to 5 people) where you can move at the pace of your group

It may not be ideal if you:

  • Need a strictly formal, very structured skipper style. The only serious caution I saw was about feeling unsafe due to a captain who seemed too laid back.
  • Want a long, slow sightseeing day on land. This is water-first, tower-last.

Should you book the Comino Private Boat Tour?

I’d book it if your dream day on Comino is mostly about the water—bright lagoons, a reef adventure with a cave feature, and a quick history stop—done in about an hour. For up to five people, the $70.89 per group pricing can be a very good deal when you factor in admission tickets, snorkeling gear, safety equipment, and onboard comforts like shade and a cooler.

I’d think twice if you’re especially sensitive to boat safety and you want a skipper who feels very buttoned-up. In that case, ask questions early and pay attention to how the stop is handled.

If you’re flexible, comfortable with water activities, and you book for the right people in your group, this private circuit is one of the easier ways to experience Comino’s famous spots without turning your day into a complicated production.

FAQ

How long is the Comino Private Boat Tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour.

How many people are included in a group booking?

The group size is up to 5 people.

What is the price for the tour?

The price is $70.89 per group.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What stops are included in the itinerary?

You’ll visit Blue Lagoon, Crystal Lagoon, Cominotto Reef, and St. Mary’s Tower.

Are admission tickets included for the stops?

Yes, admission tickets are included for each stop listed on the itinerary.

What’s included on the boat?

Included items are canopy for shadow, Bluetooth speaker, exclusive private boat, port fees, ice cooler, comfortable seating, safety equipment, sun deck area, private transportation, snorkeling equipment, and WiFi on board.

What is not included?

Not included: alcoholic beverages, bottled water, breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch, snacks, soda/pop, and fuel consumption (€40) plus a professional skipper (€40).

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the tour weather-dependent?

Yes. It requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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